Cirila Sanchez, better known as Lila went peacefully to be with the Lord on July 8, 2020. At the time of her ascension she was surrounded by those who loved her and upon entering the gates of heaven she was greeted by her personal angel, her oldest son Ed who had preceded her in April 2020.
Lila was born in Upland, California in 1937 to Agustin and Maria Nunez. The daughter of a fruit picker, she was the fourth of six children, who grew up knowing the value of hard work and love.
At age 16 while at a local dance she met Ernie Gonzales. Lila and Ernie were married soon after and together established a family of two daughters (Linda and Debra) and two sons (Ed and Steve). She was an excellent mother and homemaker. She would make dresses for her daughters and serve as team mom for her son’s baseball teams. Lila always put her children first and made sure they knew the love of their extended family, making frequent trips to Ontario, Orange County and Fairfield, California to visit aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was an exceptional cook, making a homemade dinner for her family seven days a week no matter what. Her meals were the standard for how dishes should taste. From menudo to tamales, to her famous rice topped with peas there was no dish she made that her family did not ask for more.
From her four kids she was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. She deeply loved them all; delighting in attending their birthday parties, graduations, weddings or even just having them over for dinner. Her house was always a warm welcoming place. Stocked with sweet red punch and cookies, her front door was literally always open awaiting a visit from one of her beloved grandchildren.
In 1989 she married Dave Sanchez. Lila enjoyed gardening, especially flowers, always eager to grow new cuttings and share them with family and friends. She was known for hiding her favorite food and drinks in her living room; candy by her recliner in front of the TV, and tequila in her sofa for safe keeping. For years she was a member of a Bunco club that met on Wednesdays, developing lifelong friendships that lasted till her final day.
Lila celebrated her 83rd birthday on July 7, 2020 with family where she was treated to one last serenade. Although she was no longer able to dance, the loving spirit that surrounded her that day put her body at peace and prepared her for the coming of the Lord. She will be greatly missed and remembered always by those who loved her.
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